Bob Arum Expecting Shakur Stevenson To Take Over 135 After Devin Haney
Two-divisional champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson (19-0, 9KO) has been unsuccessful in landing a fight with a top lightweight. Furthermore, he wants to be fighting for a world championship in 2023. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum believes Stevenson may get that title opportunity following the departure of undisputed champion Devin Haney.
A SEARCH FOR AN OPPONENT
As previously mentioned, Fearless has been beating the pavement relentlessly in trying to get a top contender in the ring to no avail. Top Contender Isaac Cruz was the first on the list to turn down an offer. Then, social media got to see Stevenson and William Zepeda talks of a fight shelved by Golden Boy Promotion boss Oscar De La Hoya.
Lastly, former unified champion George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr rejected an offer due to having plans already in motion. However, he did suggest the two could meet at the end of 2023.
A TITLE SHOT COULD BE ON THE HORIZON
With things looking a little bleak for the two-divisional champion, Arum, during an interview with Boxing Social, reveals plans are in motion for a championship fight in 2023.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get him in position where he’ll be ready to fight for the lightweight title. Because Devin is soon to go up to 140 after the Lomachenko fight and that will open up 135 for Shakur.”
Arum’s statement of Haney moving up after fighting former unified champion Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko is no secret within the boxing community. Yet, it raises the question of which sanctioning body Stevenson will target. This author is willing to place money on it being the WBO.
Stevenson is ranked number #2 by the WBO, with the Ukrainian sitting at number one. Win or lose, Lomachenko will be replaced by Fearless in the top spot.
All that would be left is finding an opponent for the vacant title or the WBO ordering Stevenson to fight someone from their list of ranked opponents.
By: Bo Bland
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